How to communicate with your employees

Employee communication. The benefits include enhanced employee satisfaction and productivity, which in turn, lead to bigger profits.

Although it is seen as a critical aspect of employee engagement, many employers are wasting the benefits that effective communication with employees can yield. Nicole Hogger investigates...

A study by CIPD found that just under half of employees believe they receive limited to no information regarding what’s happening within their organisation.

Adding to this, a study by ADP found a large disparity in perceived communication effectiveness between senior leaders and employees. The main topics employees do not believe are being communicated or implemented effectively are compensation, work-life balance and career opportunities.

There are many reasons for this communication discrepancy. For starters, senior leaders are often faced with complex changes on a daily basis, therefore struggle to communicate accurately on organisational changes and the impact this would have on employees.

Managers who feel vulnerable or have poor leadership skills may choose to communicate the bare minimum, in fear of losing control over a situation by sharing incorrect information. This can further hinder communication between employees within the organisation.

It is also believed that workplace technology has a role to play in the breakdown of workplace communication. Although they have increased global reach, computers have decreased the rapport and trust which is found in face-to-face meetings and telephone calls. Technology can also cause ‘information overload’ from employers and employees emailing and sharing any piece of information which could be deemed viable.

So, how can you ensure you are communicating with your employees effectively? I asked Sam Chambers, a manager at Just Recruitment, for her top 3 tips on how to effectively communicate with employees.

1. Hold regular meetings

Staff meetings provide an opening for managers and employees to discuss matters concerning the business. “I distribute a meeting agenda to my employees in advance” says Sam, “this ensures employees have time to review the agenda and prepare any ideas or questions they may have. This creates a two way communication channel with employees”.

2. Put away the technology

Ms. Chambers says “If I wish to speak with an employee, I will endeavour to speak face to face in the office, or pick up the phone and give them a call. There is only so much emotion and rapport you can build and display via email”. Ditch the emails unless there is no other alternative, and ensure you speak regularly to your employees so they understand complex matters.

3. Use team building activities

Team building activities can have a huge impact on communication with employees. Team building events can build trust, lessen conflict, and improve communication. Sam told us “we host regular team lunches and days out with our employees. It helps managers build rapport with members of staff, making them feel more valued, and increasing job satisfaction”.

The sooner you begin to build you employee communication strategy, the sooner you will be on your way to increased productivity, a motivated workforce, and larger profits. This is something that cannot be ignored by bosses now and in the future.

If you are dissatisfied in your current job, or if you are looking for new employees, please contact Samantha Chambers at samantha.chambers@justrecuitment.co.uk